The Vancouver Canucks are about to get their first look at their future star defenseman. Tom Willander, the team’s top prospect, has been called up from the AHL and might finally make his NHL debut.
It’s been a whirlwind few days for the 20-year-old Swede. He was sent down to Abbotsford just two days ago, picked up an assist in his only game there, and now he’s right back with the big club.
The timing isn’t surprising. The Canucks are pretty banged up on defense right now, with Quinn Hughes nursing a day-to-day injury and Victor Mancini also hurting. They’ll need all hands on deck when they face the New York Rangers on Tuesday.
Willander isn’t your average rookie. The Canucks grabbed him 11th overall in the 2023 draft, and he’s already shown why. He’s got the kind of skating that makes scouts drool – smooth, quick, and incredibly agile for a 6-foot-1 defenseman.
He’s been getting ready for this moment. After a couple games with Rögle BK in Sweden’s top league as a teenager, he spent two years at Boston University, learning the North American style of play.
His defensive game? That’s NHL-ready. The offensive stuff might take some time, but that’s not unusual for young defensemen.
In his brief taste of pro hockey in North America, he’s already notched two points in five games. Not bad for a guy who’s supposed to be a defensive specialist.
The big question now is whether he’ll suit up against the Rangers on Tuesday. Given the team’s injuries, it’s looking more and more likely that Canucks fans will finally get to see their top prospect in action.
